What You Need To Know About Bleeding During Pregnancy

• genital tract infections
• injuries to the genital tract
• growths or tumours of the reproductive system
• bleeding from vulvovaginal varicosities (varicose veins in the vulva or vagina)

Chemical Pregnancy Bleeding: What Does It Look Like?

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Chemical pregnancy bleeding is a type of spotting that happens during the first few weeks of pregnancy. It occurs when the fertilised egg or embryo implants into the uterine wall but dislodges before it can attach fully or stops developing. In other words, a chemical pregnancy is a very early miscarriage that happens within the first 5 weeks of pregnancy. This can occur very early, and many women who miscarry don’t even realise it.

Chemical pregnancy bleeding usually looks like a pinkish or brownish discharge that’s heavier than your usual period but lighter than a period you’d have if you were pregnant.

Other than miscarriage, chemical pregnancy bleeding can also result from non-pregnancy-related conditions like an infection or trauma to your reproductive organs. Contact your doctor if you’re worried about anything going on with your body or health, as they can give you more information about what chemical pregnancy bleeding looks like and how long it can last. Don’t wait until it’s too late to see them!

The symptoms of chemical pregnancy bleeding may include:

• Extremely light vaginal bleeding (you might not even notice it)
• Light spotting (you might need to change your pad once or twice)
• Pinkish or brown discharge

Is It Spotting?

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Spotting is a common symptom of ovulation. A small amount of pinkish or brownish blood comes out from the vagina and can last up to 2 days but will stop as soon as you ovulate. Spotting results from an egg's release from your ovaries, so it’s common to experience spotting the night before or during ovulation. You may also notice that your breasts become sore, swollen or tender when you’re about to ovulate.

Spotting During Pregnancy

It can be alarming to experience spotting during pregnancy, but you usually don’t have anything to worry about because spotting is common for the first few months of pregnancy and is caused by normal changes in your cervix and uterus. When your cervix dilates and opens up to allow your baby to pass through, you may experience crampings as your body adjusts to the new position.

However, if you’re experiencing spotting for more than 2 days in a row, if the bleeding is heavy, or if you have other symptoms like abdominal pain, fever or chills, contact your doctor immediately as it may indicate a more severe condition.

How to Stop Bleeding During Pregnancy

If you’re bleeding during pregnancy, don’t panic and jump to conclusions. It’s normal for some women to experience some bleeding in early pregnancy. It won’t be a problem if it’s just a little spotting or light bleeding, but if you’re experiencing heavy bleeding or bleeding that looks like a period, quickly get in touch with your doctor to prevent a more serious situation from taking place.

Here are some things that might help:

• Eat plenty of iron-rich foods, such as spinach and beans
• Drink lots of water (at least 8 glasses per day)
• Take a vitamin C supplement every day
• Don't take any NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) or aspirin because they could cause more bleeding instead of stopping it

If you noticed bleeding while pregnant, your first thought might have been that you've miscarried, but bleeding during pregnancy can be common. Whether or not you're concerned, it's always a good idea to investigate whether the bleeding could indicate something more serious. Do not hesitate to contact your doctor, as prevention is better than cure.

Does Bleeding Mean I’m Having A Miscarriage?

Bleeding in early pregnancy is very common and does not necessarily mean you are having a miscarriage. Many women who experience bleeding in early pregnancy go on to have healthy babies.
In some cases, bleeding can be the first sign of a miscarriage. If you are experiencing bleeding in early pregnancy, contact your doctor or midwife for advice.

What to Do If You Have Abnormal Bleeding During Pregnancy

Vaginal bleeding in any trimester can be a sign of a problem, so if you think something is wrong, don’t hesitate to call your doctor. Bring any tissues that pass through the vagina to your doctor for further testing. Avoid using tampons and having sex when you’re still bleeding. Your doctor may recommend resting as much as possible and avoiding exercising and travelling.

Once you’ve scheduled an appointment with your doctor, you should expect to receive an ultrasound to identify the underlying cause of your bleeding. Vaginal and abdominal ultrasounds are often performed together as a part of a complete evaluation.

It can be helpful to note down details about what you have been experiencing. This may include:

• the amount and colour of any discharge
• whether you have passed any clots
• whether you have had any abdominal pain

When Should I Seek Medical Attention?

(Image credits to Florida Medical Clinic)

If you have bleeding at any stage of pregnancy, contact your doctor or midwife for advice and support. You should contact your doctor urgently or visit the nearest emergency department, if:

• your bleeding becomes very heavy
• you have strong pains
• you feel dizzy or faint
• you feel short of breath

If you have very heavy bleeding, strong pain or feel very unwell, call triple nine (999) immediately and ask for an ambulance.

Source- This article was written by HappyPreggie, published on Jan, 2023. Read the original article.